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Argungu Festival



Each year, the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is held near the Matan Fada River in Nigeria's northwest region as part of the Argungu International Fishing Festival. This four-day festival, which takes place between the middle of February and the beginning of March, features Kabanci, a series of water competitions such as hand fishing, canoe racing, and wild duck catching, as well as traditional practices such as local wrestling and boxing Men and boys take part in the contests, while women encourage them by performing songs and dancing. The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, which has existed since before Nigeria gained independence, is considered an essential contributor to participants' sense of belonging and a way of maintaining peace between the Argungu and neighbouring countries. Sokoto communities through the sharing of cultural practices.

During the festival, Sarkin Ruwa (who oversees the river's sanitation levels) and Homa (chief of the Argungu fishermen) provided knowledge of the river's water quality and fish stocks to their chieftaincy-holding families. This knowledge is an essential factor in the festival's continuation. It is traditionally believed that festivals allow children to experience festival activities and learn their associated skills on both a formal as well as informal level. There are several ways to obtain training, such as apprenticeships, particularly in the case of cultivating specific fishing techniques or demonstrations within a family. The Argungu festival is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated festivals in Nigeria and even Africa because of the sheer pleasure and prestige it brings to the victors. Though the hype and vibe have diminished over the years, its main purpose is still achieved; fishing and unity.

References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argungu_Fishing_Festival

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/argungu-international-fishing-and-cultural-festival-00901

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/argungu-festival-africa-s-biggest-fishing-celebration/6AKCWE_EP-keIQ


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